THE Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population held a videoconference with the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry to discuss the financial support and salary affairs of staff of factories in Yangon Region temporarily closing down due to COVID-19.

Present at the meeting were Union Minister U Thein Swe, Deputy Minister U Myint Kyaing, the permanent secretary, directors-general and department officials, the president of UMFCCI and business representatives.

The Union Minister said they are implementing COVID-19 preventive measures by the Ministry of Health and Sports but the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 has prompted all townships in Yangon Region, excluding Cocogyun Township, to have their citizens stay at home with the exception of emergency or necessary trips outside.

The Union Minister said business owners should ensure family members interacting with their employees should follow the proper health guidelines. Because of COVID-19, factories and workshops in Yangon Region will be closed for 2 weeks starting from 24 September 2020.

The Union Minister urged the UMFCCI president and officials to discuss the intricacies of wages and salary of the staff for the closed days and to suggest good ideas concerning it.

The stay at home period is set for 2 weeks and if the public closely follows this regulation, it will effectively slow the spread of COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Sports.

The Union Minister said everyone must understand this situation and the discussion was aimed at supporting the employees who will be temporarily out of work during the closure. The ministry will provide social assistance for the workers with social security in accordance with the law and the Union Government will organize assistance for those who don’t have social security but urged business owners to participate in that effort as well.

Next, the UMFCCI president and attending business representatives explained the challenges they are facing, the parts of the MoHS regulations that required more clarity, suggestions and other queries to which the Union Minister replied. The UMFCCI president then said they will discuss with the different organizations to support the workers who will be staying at home during the temporary closure.

MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Photo – MNA

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar